2018 Kia Rio Hatchback

Manufacturer Offer

* Disclaimer(s)

Truth in Lending Act Disclosure:
Down payment will vary with APR and credit. For example, 1.9% APR with $2,500 down payment provides for 60 monthly payments of $17.48 per $1000 financed for qualified buyers. 1.9% for a term of 24 months corresponds to a monthly cost of $42.5 per $1000 financed.
1.9% for a term of 36 months corresponds to a monthly cost of $28.6 per $1000 financed.
1.9% for a term of 39 months corresponds to a monthly cost of $26.46 per $1000 financed.
1.9% for a term of 42 months corresponds to a monthly cost of $24.63 per $1000 financed.
1.9% for a term of 48 months corresponds to a monthly cost of $21.65 per $1000 financed.
2.9% for a term of 66 months corresponds to a monthly cost of $16.41 per $1000 financed.
3.9% for a term of 72 months corresponds to a monthly cost of $15.6 per $1000 financed. The rates described are for estimation purposes only; you may not be able to finance at this rate.

Manufacturer Offer

$1,000 cash back on select Kia Rio models

* Disclaimer(s)

Cash back from Kia Motors America, Inc (KMA). Must take delivery from a participating dealer and from retail stock from 5/1/2018 - 5/31/2018. Cash back offer when you purchase a new car only and may not be combined with Special Low APR and Special Lease offers. This incentive is for a limited time offer on eligible Kia vehicles. Not all incentive programs are compatible. See dealer for details.

Reviews

Driving Impression

Editor:

New Car Test Drive

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Compared to the outgoing Rio, the 2018 versions are a lot more livable. Despite ranking as a budget-focused car, the latest Rio performs better, with greater response at lower speeds. Power might be comparatively modest, but it’s delivered in a more immediate manner.

Essentially, the Rio makes good use of its available energy, eagerly infusing a touch of spirit into road behavior. Even its sounds are pleasant ones.

Though adequate, Kia’s 6-speed automatic transmission can be indecisive. Still, it does an admirable job of keeping the small engine behaving with peak efficiency. A Sport button causes the transmission to hold each gear longer, which inevitably hurts fuel economy.

Also improved is ride quality, which is impressively composed, despite use of the same basic suspension as before â€“ which earned subpar evaluation. Revised spring and damper settings have made the suspension more compliant, able to subdue more pavement roughness.

Steering feel also has improved. So has its accuracy, though these benefits are somewhat overshadowed by unusually light weight at the steering wheel. Whether all-disc (in EX) or with rear drums, brakes feel confident, though hard stops yield some nosedive.

Regardless of transmission, the 2018 Rio is relatively fuel efficient. Equipped with automatic, the Rio is EPA-rated at 28/37 mpg City/Highway, or 32 mpg Combined. Manual-shift Rios reduce the City figure by just 1 mpg.

Walk Around

Editor:

New Car Test Drive

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Conservative in styling, yet sleeker than its predecessor, the 2018 Kia Rio shows cleaner body lines than its rather dowdy predecessor, especially in hatchback form. Sheetmetal creases are sharper. Front ends are a little taller than before, wearing a more upright tiger nose grille.

Foglamps have moved outward, making the Rio look wider. Windshield pillars are more upright. Dimensions have increased, but only slightly.

On both body styles, designers opened up the lower front bumper, resulting in a more expressive face. Headlights sit higher, reaching further back into the front fenders. Wheels have been pushed out toward the corners, shrinking the previously-excessive overhangs. Hatchback rear ends, in particular, look the best, avoiding the sedan’s blanked-out rear quarter window.

Interior Overview

Editor:

New Car Test Drive

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Quiet and comfortable for adults, the Rio’s cabin is significantly improved. According to the EPA, the Rio again qualifies as a compact car, in terms of interior space. Cabin details also suggest a move upward in class.

Improved quietness results from greater use of adhesives in the chassis, according to Kia, helping to subdue road and tire sounds.

Back seats are surprisingly spacious as well as comfortable. Even taller adults can typically sit behind another adult without feeling too cramped. Two passengers fit best, but for shorter trips, three teenagers aren’t likely to complain about squeezing.

Sitting relatively low and more upright than before, the Rio dashboard contains a thoughtfully-considered central touchscreen. In EX models, the 7.0-inch touchscreen works with UVO3, the latest version of Kia’s slick-operating infotainment system. Prompt responses and natural swiping action mean UVO3 outperforms several competitors.